Jeremiah 31:19

Jeremiah 31:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

King James Version KJV

Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

American Standard Version ASV

Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Truly, after I had been turned, I had regret for my ways; and after I had got knowledge, I made signs of sorrow: I was put to shame, truly, I was covered with shame, because I had to undergo the shame of my early years.

Free Bible Version FBV

When I came back to you I was sorry, and once I understood, I held my head in sadness. I was ashamed and I blushed, embarrassed at what I'd done when I was young.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Surely after that I conuerted, I repented: and after that I was instructed, I smote vpon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, euen confounded, because I did beare the reproch of my youth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For after my turning back I repented, And after my being instructed I struck on the thigh, I have been ashamed, I have also blushed, For I have borne the reproach of my youth.

World English Bible WEB

Surely after that I was turned. I repented. After that I was instructed. I struck my thigh. I was ashamed, yes, even confounded, because I bore the reproach of my youth.’

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Surely after I was turned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, and even confounded, because I bore the reproach of my youth.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For after thou didst convert me, I did penance: and after thou didst shew unto me, I struck my thigh: I am confounded and ashamed, because I have borne the reproach of my youth.

Translation for Translators T4T

We turned away from you, but we repented; after you caused us to realize that we were guilty. We beat our chests to show that we were very ashamed [DOU] of the sins that we committed when we were young.’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Jeremiah 31:19

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Jeremiah 31:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּֽי אַחֲרֵ֤י שׁוּבִ/י֙ נִחַ֔מְתִּי וְ/אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הִוָּ֣דְעִ֔/י סָפַ֖קְתִּי עַל יָרֵ֑ךְ בֹּ֚שְׁתִּי וְ/גַם נִכְלַ֔מְתִּי כִּ֥י נָשָׂ֖אתִי חֶרְפַּ֥ת נְעוּרָֽ/י

כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj

אַחֲרֵ֤י ʼachar H310 after Prep

שׁוּבִ/י֙ shûwb H7725 to return V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

נִחַ֔מְתִּי nâcham H5162 to be sorry V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

וְ/אַֽחֲרֵי֙ ʼachar H310 after Conj | Prep

הִוָּ֣דְעִ֔/י yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff

סָפַ֖קְתִּי çâphaq H5606 to slap V-Qal-Perf-1cs

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

יָרֵ֑ךְ yârêk H3409 thigh N-fs

בֹּ֚שְׁתִּי bûwsh H954 be ashamed V-Qal-Perf-1cs

וְ/גַם gam H1571 also Conj | DirObjM

נִכְלַ֔מְתִּי kâlam H3637 be humiliated V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

נָשָׂ֖אתִי nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Perf-1cs

חֶרְפַּ֥ת cherpâh H2781 reproach N-fs

נְעוּרָֽ/י nâʻûwr H5271 youth N-cp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Jeremiah 31:19

כִּֽי kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אַחֲרֵ֤י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after

Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.

שׁוּבִ/י֙ shûwb H7725 "to return" V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

נִחַ֔מְתִּי nâcham H5162 "to be sorry" V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.

Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)

Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.

וְ/אַֽחֲרֵי֙ ʼachar H310 "after" Conj | Prep

Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.

הִוָּ֣דְעִ֔/י yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Niphal-Inf-a | Suff

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

סָפַ֖קְתִּי çâphaq H5606 "to slap" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

To suffice or be enough is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can also mean to clap hands in satisfaction or grief. The KJV translates it as 'clap, smite, strike, suffice, wallow'.

Definition: 1) to clap, slap 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to slap, clap 1a2) to slap, chastise 1a3) to splash, throw up 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to clap

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: clap, smite, strike, suffice, wallow. See also: Numbers 24:10; Isaiah 2:6; Jeremiah 31:19.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

יָרֵ֑ךְ yârêk H3409 "thigh" N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to the thigh or the side of something, and can also symbolize strength or power. It is used to describe where a sword is worn, and also represents the loins as the seat of procreative power.

Definition: 1) thigh, side, loin, base 1a) thigh 1a1) outside of thigh (where sword was worn) 1a2) loins (as the seat of procreative power) 1b) side (flank) (of object) 1c) base

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] body, loins, shaft, side, thigh. See also: Genesis 24:2; Numbers 3:35; Psalms 45:4.

בֹּ֚שְׁתִּי bûwsh H954 "be ashamed" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

To be ashamed is what this Hebrew word means, implying a feeling of guilt or disappointment. It is used to describe someone who is disconcerted or delayed, like in the story of Adam and Eve. Shame is a strong emotion.

Definition: 1) to put to shame, be ashamed, be disconcerted, be disappointed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to feel shame 1a2) to be ashamed, disconcerted, disappointed (by reason of) 1b) (Piel) to delay (in shame) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to put to shame 1c2) to act shamefully 1c3) to be ashamed 1d) (Hithpolel) to be ashamed before one another

Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: (be, make, bring to, cause, put to, with, a-) shamed(-d), be (put to) confounded(-fusion), become dry, delay, be long. See also: Genesis 2:25; Isaiah 24:23; Psalms 6:11.

וְ/גַם gam H1571 "also" Conj | DirObjM

Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.

Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike

Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.

נִכְלַ֔מְתִּי kâlam H3637 "be humiliated" V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

To be humiliated means to be insulted or shamed, as seen in the Bible's use of this word to describe people's reactions to their mistakes. It is about feeling ashamed or reproached.

Definition: 1) to insult, shame, humiliate, blush, be ashamed, be put to shame, be reproached, be put to confusion, be humiliated 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be humiliated, be ashamed 1a2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to put to shame, insult, humiliate, cause shame to 1b2) to exhibit shame 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be insulted, be humiliated 1c2) to be put to shame, be dishonoured, be confounded

Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: be (make) ashamed, blush, be confounded, be put to confusion, hurt, reproach, (do, put to) shame. See also: Numbers 12:14; Proverbs 25:8; Psalms 35:4.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

נָשָׂ֖אתִי nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

חֶרְפַּ֥ת cherpâh H2781 "reproach" N-fs

Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.

Definition: 1) reproach, scorn 1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy) 1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace) 1c) a reproach (an object)

Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. See also: Genesis 30:23; Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 15:3.

נְעוּרָֽ/י nâʻûwr H5271 "youth" N-cp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the state of being young or a group of young people, as seen in Isaiah 47:12. It describes a stage of life, like childhood or adolescence. This concept is also mentioned in Jeremiah 31:19.

Definition: youth, early life Also means: na.ur (נְעוּרוֹת "youth" H5271B)

Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: childhood, youth. See also: Genesis 8:21; Isaiah 54:6; Psalms 25:7.

Study Notes — Jeremiah 31:19

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Jeremiah 31:19 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 31:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 31:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19
Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19
Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19
Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 31:19
Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19
Sermons on Jeremiah 31:19

Context — Mourning Turned to Joy

17So there is hope for your future, declares the LORD, and your children will return to their own land. 18I have surely heard Ephraim’s moaning: ‘You disciplined me severely, like an untrained calf. Restore me, that I may return, for You are the LORD my God.

19After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’

20Is not Ephraim a precious son to Me, a delightful child? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore My heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD. 21“Set up the road markers, put up the signposts. Keep the highway in mind, the road you have traveled. Return, O Virgin Israel, return to these cities of yours.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ezekiel 36:31	Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations.
2	Jeremiah 3:25	Let us lie down in our shame; let our disgrace cover us. We have sinned against the LORD our God, both we and our fathers; from our youth even to this day we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God.”
3	Ezekiel 21:12	Cry out and wail, O son of man, for the sword is wielded against My people; it is against all the princes of Israel! They are tossed to the sword with My people; therefore strike your thigh.
4	Luke 18:13	But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’
5	Deuteronomy 30:2	and when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey His voice with all your heart and all your soul according to everything I am giving you today,
6	Ezra 9:6	and said: “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens.
7	Zechariah 12:10	Then I will pour out on the house of David and on the people of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and prayer, and they will look on Me, the One they have pierced. They will mourn for Him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for Him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
8	Leviticus 26:41–42	and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity, then I will remember My covenant with Jacob and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land.
9	Psalms 25:7	Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellious acts; remember me according to Your loving devotion, because of Your goodness, O LORD.
10	2 Corinthians 7:10–11	Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication! In every way you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

Jeremiah 31:19 Summary

[Jeremiah 31:19 is about Ephraim, a symbol of God's people, returning to the Lord and repenting of their sins. After realizing their mistakes, they feel deep sorrow and regret, which is shown by the action of striking their thigh in grief. This verse reminds us that we can always return to God, even when we feel ashamed or humiliated by our past actions, just like Ephraim did (Jeremiah 31:18). As we repent and turn to God, He responds with love, compassion, and forgiveness, as seen in Jeremiah 31:20 and Psalm 103:12.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'strike my thigh in grief' in Jeremiah 31:19?

This is an expression of deep sorrow and regret, similar to how Job mourned the loss of his children in Job 1:20. It shows the intensity of Ephraim's repentance and remorse for past sins.

How does Ephraim's experience relate to our own lives?

Just like Ephraim, we can return to the Lord and repent of our sins, as seen in Jeremiah 31:18. This verse reminds us that God is always willing to forgive and restore us, as promised in Jeremiah 31:17 and 1 John 1:9.

What is the significance of 'the disgrace of my youth' in this verse?

This phrase refers to the mistakes and sins of Ephraim's past, which brought shame and humiliation. It's a reminder that our past actions can have consequences, but God's mercy and forgiveness can help us overcome them, as seen in Psalm 103:12.

How does God respond to Ephraim's repentance?

God responds with compassion and love, as seen in Jeremiah 31:20. This verse shows that God's heart yearns for His people, even when they have strayed, and He desires to restore them to a right relationship with Him, as promised in Jeremiah 32:40.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I have 'struck my thigh in grief' over my own sins, and how has God responded to my repentance?
How have I experienced the 'disgrace of my youth' in my own life, and what steps can I take to seek God's forgiveness and restoration?
In what ways can I apply Ephraim's example of repentance and return to the Lord in my own life, especially when I feel ashamed or humiliated by my past actions?
What does this verse teach me about God's character, particularly His mercy, compassion, and willingness to forgive, and how can I reflect these qualities in my own relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Jeremiah 31:19

Surely after that I was turned I repented,.... Ephraim's prayer was answered; as he prayed he might be turned, he was; and when he was turned, then he repented, not only of sin in general, but of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Jeremiah 31:19

Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19

We must consider that we are not in a history or a narration of things done, but in a prophecy foretelling what should come to pass. The prophet foretelleth that before this promised deliverance should come, the Israelites should be in another temper, that their uncircumcised hearts should be humbled, they should accept of the punishment of their sins, confess God’ s justice and righteousness, and their own wantonness and unruliness, pray unto God to change their hearts, which would never else be changed, and change their conditions, which would depend upon that change of their hearts, laying claim to God as their God, who had promised, ,2, that when the blessings and the curses spoken of Deu 28 Deuteronomy 29 should come upon them, and they should call them to mind among all the nations whither the Lord had driven them, if they returned unto the Lord their God, and obeyed his voice, according to all that he commanded them, they and their children, with all their heart, and all their soul; that then the Lord their God would turn their captivity, and have compassion on them, &c. Now, saith Ephraim, after I was turned, after God had changed our hearts, we repented and changed our practices; after that God had instructed us, either by his prophets, or by briers and thorns, by our afflictions, or by his Holy Spirit, we smote upon our thighs in testimony of our sorrow and affliction, . Then I was ashamed and confounded for my sins, understanding that I did but bear the just punishment of the sins which I had long ago committed, in the time of my wantonness, rebellion, and disobedience to God. This is expressed by the term youth, because ordinarily men and women’ s youth is their time of wantonness; persons ordinarily growing more considerate and sober as years increase upon them. Thus the prophet foretelleth that God would prepare this people for mercy. In the next verses he showeth how ready God’ s ear would be to hear.

Trapp's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19

Jeremiah 31:19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon [my] thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.Ver. 19. Surely after that I was turned, I repented.] After that I had turned short again upon myself, as those penitents, as Manasseh, the publican, and that prodigal. And after that I was instructed.] Postquam ostensum fuerit mihi. After that I knew myself, or rather was made known to myself - scil., by mine afflictions sanctified; for Schola crucis, schola lucis. The followers of the cross are the followers of light. Afflictions are those pillulae lucis, that serve notably to clear the soul’ s eye sight. I smote upon my thigh,] Sicut mulierculae in puerperio facere solent, saith Luther, as travailing women use to do. It is a token of greatest grief. See Ezekiel 21:12. I was ashamed, yea, even confounded.] Abashed and abased to the utmost; my sorrow was deep and downright. Because I did bear the reproach of my youth,] i.e., The brunt and burden of my reproachful practices in my youth. See Job 13:26 Psalms 25:7. Tremel., In Gloss. Marginal. Homer hath it oft πεπληγετομηρω, he smote on his thigh. Cicero hath the like, lib. iii. Tuscul.

Ellicott's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19

(19) After that I was turned.—The words have been referred by some commentators (Hitzig) to the previous turning away from God—the apostasy of Ephraim; but the repetition of the word that had been used in the previous verse makes it far more natural to connect it with the first movement of repentance. The “smiting upon the thigh” is, like the Publican’s “smiting on his breast” (Luke 18:13), an Eastern expression of extremest grief. So in Ezekiel 21:17 we have the “smiting of the hands together” as a symbol of anger, which is also sorrow. In Homer (Odyss. xiii. 193) we have the very gesture here depicted— “And then he groaned, and smote on both his thighs With headlong hands, and so in sorrow spoke.” The reproach of my youth—i.e., the shame which the sins of his youth had brought upon him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19

Verse 19. After that I was turned] Converted from my sin, folly, and idolatry. I repented] To conviction of sin, I now added contrition for sin. Conviction, in this sense of the word, must precede contrition or repentance. As soon as a man sees himself lost and undone, he is convicted of sin; when convicted, he begins to mourn. Thus contrition follows conviction. I smote upon my thigh] My sorrow grew deeper and deeper; I smote upon my thigh through the extremity of my distress. This was a usual sign of deep affliction. See Ezekiel 21:12. It was the same among the ancient Greeks. So Homer: - Ωςεφατ' αυταρΑρηςθαλερωπεπληγετομηρω Χερσικαταπρηνεσσ,ολοφυρομενοςδεπροσηυδα. IL. lib. xv. 113. "She spake: and with expanded arms, his thighs Smiting, thus sorrowful, the god exclaimed." COWPER. ---- αυταρΑχιλλευς ΜηρωπληξαμενοςΠατροκληαπροσεειπεν. IL. lib. xvi. 124. "Achilles saw it, smote his thigh, and said -----." I have often seen persons in deep grief act thus.

Cambridge Bible on Jeremiah 31:19

19. after that I was turned] rather (see preceding note), after I turned. Ephraim turns, and his repentance is the completion of his conversion. The Heb. text which seems to underlie the LXX rendering, viz. “after my captivity,” is hardly to be accepted. instructed] by punishment. Cp. the use of the word “taught” (the same verb in the Hebrew), Judges 8:16. I smote upon my thigh] in token of contrition. Cp. Ezekiel 21:12. the reproach of my youth] the disgrace brought upon me by the sins of my earlier life as a nation.

Whedon's Commentary on Jeremiah 31:19

19. After that I was turned — “Turned” is equivocal, and may mean either turning away from God or turning to him. Here it is the former.

Sermons on Jeremiah 31:19

	Sermon	Description
	Idols of Pride and Jealousy by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson addresses the destructive nature of pride and jealousy as idols that can harden the heart and blind individuals to their own sin. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit
	A Reproach Among the Heathen by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance, revival, and cleansing as prerequisites for any work of God. He urges believers to have a heart like Jesus and
	Can These Dry Bones Live by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church's role in reaching out to the Jewish people. He shares his personal journey of coming to recognize the significa
	Ezekiel 37 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a conversation he had with a former Marxist who showed him kindness and patience. The speaker was intrigued by the person's constant mention
	How the Spirit Leads Us by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker uses the imagery of water to illustrate the progression of a believer's spiritual journey. The water starts as a trickle, representing the initial exper
	A Word to Apostates by Steve Gallagher	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a commitment to God in light of the current events happening in the world. He urges the audience to take a serious l
	03 New Wine in New Wineskins Revelation on Gods Mysteries by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation from God to understand the difference between the New Covenant and the Old Covenant. It highlights the need for personal